The Free GCU Program That's Teaching Phoenix How to Grow Food
500+ residents are learning regenerative gardening. Here's what they're discovering.
Every Saturday at GCU
Something unusual is happening at Grand Canyon University every Saturday morning.
Hundreds of Phoenix residents—most with zero farming experience—are learning to grow food using regenerative practices. The program is completely free. The results are transforming how people think about food.
United Food & Environmental Programs (UFE)
UFE's mission is simple: teach people where food comes from, how to grow it, and why soil health matters. The GCU garden classes are part of a larger movement to reconnect communities with regenerative agriculture.
What Students Are Learning
The curriculum goes beyond basic gardening. It's regenerative agriculture education:
Soil Biology Basics
- • How microbes feed plants
- • Why compost works (and synthetic fertilizer doesn't)
- • Building living soil from scratch
Composting
- • Turning kitchen scraps into soil
- • Hot vs. cold composting methods
- • Troubleshooting common problems
Water Conservation
- • Drip irrigation setup
- • Mulching to reduce evaporation
- • Desert-adapted crop selection
Crop Planning
- • What grows well in Arizona
- • Seasonal planting calendars
- • Succession planting for continuous harvest
Why Regenerative Practices Work Better in Arizona
Arizona's extreme climate makes conventional gardening difficult. Regenerative practices are actually better suited for desert conditions:
- Heat tolerance: Compost-rich soil stays 5-10°F cooler, protecting plant roots
- Water efficiency: Living soil holds moisture longer, reducing daily watering needs
- Pest resistance: Healthy plants grown in biological soil resist pests better than fertilizer-dependent plants
- Year-round production: Arizona has 300+ days of sun—with proper soil, you can grow food 12 months
The UFE Philosophy
UFE's approach is rooted in education, not charity:
Food Security Through Knowledge
Teaching someone to grow food is more valuable than giving them food. The skills last forever.
Youth Education Priority
UFE believes kids should understand where food comes from. School programs teach students to grow, cook, and value real food.
Community Building
The GCU garden is a gathering place. People from different backgrounds work together, share harvests, and build relationships around food.
Environmental Stewardship
Every compost bin is waste diverted from landfills. Every garden is habitat for pollinators. Regenerative practices heal the land.
What Students Are Saying
"I thought gardening in Phoenix was impossible. After 8 weeks, I'm growing tomatoes, peppers, and herbs year-round. The secret was soil biology—something I never learned in school."
"My kids now ask where their food comes from. They want to help in the garden. That's more valuable than anything I could buy them."
"I've saved hundreds on groceries and my family is eating healthier. Plus, my water bill went down because the compost-rich soil needs less irrigation."
Earth Day 2026: Special Workshop Series
Starting April 5th (Earth Day weekend), UFE is hosting a special 4-week intensive on regenerative gardening:
Week 1: Soil Building
Build your first compost bin, learn to test soil health, and prepare beds for planting
Week 2: Water Systems
Install drip irrigation, set up rain catchment, and learn mulching techniques
Week 3: Planting & Succession
Plant spring crops, learn succession planting, and plan for summer/fall harvests
Week 4: Pest Management & Harvest
Natural pest control, beneficial insects, and harvesting/storage techniques
How to Get Involved
UFE programs are free and open to all Phoenix-area residents:
Register for Free Garden Classes
Saturday classes at GCU start April 5th. Space is limited—register early to secure your spot.
Partnership: Soil Seed & Water + UFE
Soil Seed & Water supplies the biological soil amendments used in UFE programs:
- Vermicast: High-biology worm compost for seed starting and transplanting
- Compost blends: Custom mixes for Arizona soil conditions
- Microbial inoculants: Boost beneficial bacteria and fungi
- Educational support: Soil biology workshops and consulting
Students who graduate from UFE classes can purchase the same products used in the program at wholesale pricing to continue their regenerative journey at home.